Trueblood column: Snipers' shots against pirates echo far, wide

Recently, I've been involved in various discussions about the strategic, tactical and operational levels of war. For many, these terms are essentially synonymous, but in the military they each have distinct meanings. In a nutshell: Strategy is the formulation of overarching national objectives. Tactics refer to local, unit-level engagements. Operations (at theater or campaign level) links tactical actions with strategic aims.

Sometimes, a particular action affects all three levels simultaneously, such as when snipers on the pitching deck of a U.S. Navy ship pull their triggers in unison, making perfect kill-shots against the men in their crosshairs. Back to this in a minute.

First, consider the level of national effort that put those snipers (reportedly Navy SEALs) in position to take those shots. First, there is the extraordinary selection and training program that produces such finely honed American warriors. It takes about half a million dollars in training and about two years to get a U.S. Navy SEAL fully mission qualified (probably longer for snipers).

Then think about the equipment, systems and platforms that enabled a handful of elite operators to reach the fantail of that ship. It starts with bases, runways and streamlined logistics. It includes secure communications bouncing off satellites in space. Then there are the cargo planes and helicopters that transported those snipers halfway around the globe to get them onboard. And let's not forget the USS Bainbridge itself, with technology no other nation can produce.

Most importantly, there are the thousands of service members who directly or indirectly aided the operation. Maintainers who serviced the aircraft, radar operators who watched sea and sky, planners who staged necessary forces and commanders who brought everything together - all had key roles. The professionalism and dedication of each added to the synergy of the whole.

OK, back to those SEALs on the fantail. Lying hidden and still (who knows how long?) they focus intensely, ignoring the elements, watching and waiting. They observe every movement, facial expression and involuntary twitch of the pirates and their captive, Captain Phillips. They constantly account for wind, temperature, angle and make dozens of mental calculations.

Suddenly, the moment is thrust upon them. A nervous pirate shoves his rifle muzzle into the hostage's back. The other two are visible. Each sniper has a clear shot, and the on-scene commander gives the OK in accordance with standing rules of engagement. Their training kicks in. Breath control É sight picture É trigger squeeze É .

Five, four, three, BANG!

In that split second, three bad men die, a good one is saved and concentric ripples start to spread. At the tactical level, threats are removed and the hostage is rescued. At the operational level, the Somali pirate network now has a new risk factor to plug into their "cost-benefit model" (as in piracy can get you killed). At the strategic level, those shots echo far and wide. Unintentionally or not - remember, the tactical commander made the call - they send a message. America can still reach out and touch someone.

Tad Trueblood has more than 20 years experience in the U.S. Air Force and the national security community. He lives in Santa Clara.

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Trueblood column: Snipers' shots against pirates echo far, wide

Recently, I've been involved in various discussions about the strategic, tactical and operational levels of war. For many, these terms are essentially synonymous, but in the military they each have